Mikey Johnston capped off Celtic’s pre-season tour with a goal against Chelsea on Saturday night, providing a high note to end on. The winger, who has often been a subject of debate among fans, emerged from the academy with significant promise but has struggled to cement a place in the first team.
Last season’s loan spell at West Brom was a positive step for Johnston, but at 25, he faces a critical juncture in his career.
Johnston’s career at Celtic has been a rollercoaster of expectations and sporadic performances. Frequently lauded for his potential, he now finds himself at a crossroads: it’s now or never for the winger to make a lasting impact at Celtic or potentially seek opportunities elsewhere.
Rodgers addressed Johnston’s situation following the Chelsea match, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the player’s future. “It was just about Mikey coming back and getting himself fit. Mikey is 25 now and he probably wants to play. We’ll just wait and see. There have been no real discussions yet, it’s just about getting back fit and seeing where it takes us,” Rodgers told RecordSport.
This pre-season has been pivotal for Johnston, and his goal against Chelsea highlights his potential to contribute meaningfully to the team. However, the competitive nature at Celtic means that he must consistently perform at a high level to secure his place, while staying injury free, which has always been an issue.
As the new season approaches, Johnston’s situation remains fluid. His future at Celtic hinges on his ability to stay fit and demonstrate his worth on the pitch. Whether he steps up and becomes a key player for the Hoops or looks for new horizons will depend on his performances in the coming month.
He’s too inconsistent and that was the same at West Brom. He might get away with it there but not at Paradise. The best advice for the bhoy is to move on. His inconsistency is too frustrating and at 25, he’s as good as he’s going to get. Good luck wherever he ends up.
He will be a good impact player but zCektic have so many front men especially on the wing no player can be promised starting every game it’s a squad game it’s hard for professionals who has been guaranteed first pick since school but at this level all these players were in same up bringing as Rodgers says head down work hard and stay fit fitness is the thing when all players were top pick